Originally published: May 15, 2014

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Audi will take to this year’s Wörthersee Tour in Austria with the A3 Clubsport Quattro concept, a pocket rocket of the highest order.

Based on the S3 sedan, the A3 Clubsport Quattro is essentially a tease of what we could expect from a next-generation RS 3. Utilizing the same turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder powertrain from the RS Q3, the A3 Clubsport Quattro produces 525 horsepower and 442.5 lb.-ft. of torque, available as early as 2,500 rpm. Paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the car can sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds. To put that figure in perspective, that’s about two-tenths of a second quicker than the R8 V10.

Proving the A3 Clubsport Quattro is more than just an S3 with a high-output engine, Audi has revised most of the mechanical components to handle the additional power. Along with cranking up the engine’s boost pressure to 1.5 bar, Audi has swapped in a larger intercooler, a revised intake and a freer-flowing exhaust system. The A3 Clubsport Quattro also features standard launch control, adjustable suspension components, carbon-ceramic brakes, a limited-slip differential and an all-wheel-drive system that can shift torque to the rear axle. Last but not least, the A3 Clubsport Quattro tips the scales with an impressive 1,527-kilogram curb weight.

Granted its 21-inch wheels aggressive body kit make the A3 Clubsport Quattro look like it’s ready to eat a squirrel, it actually has some functional aerodynamic bits. At high speeds, a rear spoiler deploys from the decklid, but push the car even harder (on a racetrack, of course) and the wing becomes nearly completely vertical. Depending on your speed, Audi says stopping distances are reduced by as much as 40 feet not only because of the additional drag, but because the car will actually sense the downforce and apply more braking force.

The A3 Clubsport Quattro will be on display alongside the TT Sport Quattro concept and the rest of Audi’s performance car lineup when the Wörthersee Tour kicks off May 28 and runs until the 31st.